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221198

Sigma-Aldrich

Formamide

ACS reagent, ≥99.5%

Synonym(s):

Amide C1, Formic amide

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About This Item

Linear Formula:
HCONH2
CAS Number:
Molecular Weight:
45.04
Beilstein:
505995
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12352111
PubChem Substance ID:

grade

ACS reagent

Quality Level

vapor density

1.55 (vs air)

vapor pressure

0.08 mmHg ( 20 °C)
30 mmHg ( 129 °C)

Assay

≥99.5%

form

liquid

autoignition temp.

932 °F

technique(s)

PCR: suitable

color

APHA: ≤10

refractive index

n20/D 1.447 (lit.)

pH

4-10 (20 °C, 200 g/L)

bp

210 °C (lit.)

mp

2-3 °C (lit.)

transition temp

freezing point 2.0-3.0 °C

density

1.134 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)

SMILES string

NC=O

InChI

1S/CH3NO/c2-1-3/h1H,(H2,2,3)

InChI key

ZHNUHDYFZUAESO-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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Application

The addition of formamide may enhance the specificity and efficiency of amplification of PCR (polymerase chain reaction). It may be used as an ammonia equivalent for the palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylation of 1-bromo-3-trifluoromethylbenzene to form 3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide.
Formamide destabilizes nucleic acid duplexes and may be used, typically, at a concentration of 50%, in hybridization protocols requiring lower hybridization temperatures.

Pictograms

Health hazard

Signal Word

Danger

Hazard Statements

Hazard Classifications

Carc. 2 - Repr. 1B - STOT RE 2 Oral

Target Organs

Blood

Storage Class Code

6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3 / toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects

WGK

WGK 1

Flash Point(F)

305.6 °F

Flash Point(C)

152 °C

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

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Formamide can dramatically improve the specificity of PCR.
Sarkar G, et al.
Nucleic Acids Research, 18(24), 7465-7465 (1990)
Weinreb SM.
Science of Synthesis: Houben-Weyl Methods of Molecular Transformations, 21, 126-126 (2014)
Microwave spectrum and molecular structure of formamide.
Costain CC and Dowling JM.
J. Chem. Phys. , 32(1), 158-165 (1960)
J Casey et al.
Nucleic acids research, 4(5), 1539-1552 (1977-01-01)
The thermal stabilities of RNA:DNA hybrids are substantially greater than those of DNA:DNA duplexes in aqueous electrolyte solutions containing high concentrations of formamide. Association rates to form DNA:DNA duplexes and DNA:RNA hybrids have been measured in these solvents. There is
Solubilization in formamide protects RNA from degradation.
Chomczynski P.
Nucleic Acids Research, 20(14), 3791-3791 (1992)

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